About us

“At the beginning of the 20th. century, my grandfather, followed in due course by my father, was already active in the wine business. I grew up, therefore, amongst all the casks arrayed around the cellar.”

Jordi Marquet Mandicó

JORDI MARQUET, IN THE EARLY DAYS OF BUSINESS A THE AVENUE CARLEMANTY BOUTIQUE

After such a childhood, it was only natural that, one day in September 1974 (we have forgotten precisely which!), Jordi Marquet and his wife Frédérique should open the first ‘boutique’ in Andorra specializing in delicacies, fine wines and spirits. It was located in those days on the Avenue Carlemany in Escaldes-Engordany.

THE INTERIOR OF THE BOUTIQUE AS IT WAS UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE 1990’s.

Marquet has since evolved at the same rhythm as its clientèle, from refined grocery store to “Gourmeterie®”. What, then, is a “Gourmeterie”? The underlying principle is this: not only to sell fine produce and wines, but moreover to allow its clientèle to savour them there and then, seated around a bistrot table.

In 2004, Gourmeterie Marquet moved to three-storey premises on Escaldes-Engordany’s Plaça Coprinceps: the cellar in the basement, the delicatessen boutique-bistrot on the ground floor and the restaurant on the first floor. The restaurant was the innovation, the principal supplier of which being located immediately downstairs.

Level -1 of the new Marquet Gourmeterie Permises on plaça Coprínceps in 2004.

Level 0 of the new Marquet Gourmeterie Permises on plaça Coprínceps in 2004.

Level 1 of the new Marquet Gourmeterie Permises on plaça Coprínceps in 2004.

In the summer of 2009, Marquet opened a second retail establishment: Cal Marquet Viniteca in the brand new Illa Carlemany shopping centre, again in Escaldes-Engordany. There, fine wines and delicious cold fare are served, always respecting the principle of the Gourmeterie. Between our two establishments sworn to the service of gastronomic and oenological delight, and only a few hundred metres apart, you will always find a place to be seated. Or, if not, rest assured that we shall make one for you!

THE CAL MARQUET VINITECA BOUTIQUE AT THE ILLA CARLEMANY SHOPPING CENTRE, DELIBERATELY CONCEIVED IN A DIFFERENT STYLE

After 40 years of activity, certain specialities have become “not-to-be-missed” favourites of the Gourmeterie’s clientèle. Follow this link to discover them.s’han acabat imposant als clients de La Gourmeterie.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THEM?

Side-by-side with these activities, the Marquet family is a great connoisseur and collector of fine wine. You can see here the wines constituting the impressive Marquet private collection. Please note that you will soon be able to visit the “Marquet Museum” at the Gourmeterie on Plaça Coprinceps, Escaldes-Engordany, in Andorra.

TWO OF THE TREASURES FROM THE MARQUET PRIVATE COLLECTION

In May 2013, Marquet embarked upon an important new project: to lend support to the candidacy of “Climats de Bourgogne” for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. By becoming one of the eight Major Founding Patrons, Marquet is supporting this candidacy in the strongest possible manner: proof of the great respect that the Marquet family bears the wines of Burgundy. For more information: www.climats-bourgogne.com

Please note that Team Andorra is the only team always ranked in the Top 5 of all 6 championships.
Next round will take place in Burgundy, France in october 2017.

THE FULL ANDORRAN TEAM. FROM LESF TO RIGHT: AMALIA, LAURA (DAVID’S PARTNER), DAVID, GUILLEM AND NORBERT.

To conclude, let us again quote Jordi Marquet Mandicó:

“Come in and speak to me, or to the next generation: my son and daughter, Guillem and Amalia. We shall always be happy to advise regarding the finest products to satisfy even the most demanding palate. It’s in our blood!”

Jordi Marquet Mandicó

Without him, quite simply, there would today be no Gourmeterie. In 1974, at 32 years old (you may calculate for yourself his present age!), he launched the business whilst at the same time continuing his diverse activities at the service of Andorra. Amongst these, Financial Director of Clinic Meritxell (including one day when he was recruited as Operating Theatre Assistant), Councillor of Escaldes-Engordany, and Founding President of the Andorran Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Services. Today, he embodies the very spirit of Gourmeterie Marquet… and is, incidentally, an excellent slicer of ham!

Guillem Marquet-Vigier

In 1975, the Fairy Godmothers leaning over his cradle decided that Guillem would excel in the world of wine. At 7 years old, he was already distinguishing the odours of the wine that he was given just to sniff (of course). Since then, the hobby has developed into passion and the passion into profession. He himself would never admit it, so, on his behalf, we can assert that his knowledge of wine is quite staggering, albeit constantly improving. He knows full well that he will know even more tomorrow than he does today.
Member of Andorra blind wine tasting team.

Amalia Marquet-Vigier

The youngest of the family, 4 years younger than Guillem, Amalia masters with equal proficiency the intricacies of fine wine as the finesse of slicing ham. She is a true professional chameleon: between serving our clients, advising on cheese and wine, managing the stock, directing a dynamic team, and conceiving improvements to our website, Amalia’s day at the Gourmeterie is indeed replete!
Member of Andorra blind wine tasting team.